Tarasenko scores three in Blues’ comeback win over LA

Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, December 16, 2014

ST. LOUIS — Vladimir Tarasenko scored three goals, and the streaking St. Louis Blues netted four in the third period in a 5-2 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night for their fifth straight win.

The Blues scored three times, including two power-play goals, in a span of 2:30 in the third. Tarasenko added an empty-net tally with 1:24 remaining for his 20th goal of the season.

Jake Allen made 21 saves for the Blues, who will begin a three-game road trip against the Kings on Thursday.

Los Angeles has lost three straight and five of six. The Kings have dominated the Blues in recent seasons, winning seven of eight in the regular season and 17 of 21 including the playoffs.

The Kings had taken control of this one when Marian Gaborik scored twice in the second period.

Gaborik’s first, at 5:39, came after a shot by Justin Williams from the left circle. The rebound was knocked around in the crease before Gaborik poked it in.

Los Angeles took advantage of an interference penalty by rookie defenseman Petteri Lindbohm for Gaborik’s second goal.

Gaborik tipped a centering pass from Anze Kopitar off the left post and into the net to give the Kings a 2-0 lead with 9:00 remaining in the period.

Tarasenko answered with his 18th goal of the season, assisted by Steve Ott and Chris Butler, at 12:29.

The Blues jumped on the Kings in the third period, following penalties by Dustin Brown and Robyn Regehr.

Kevin Shattenkirk scored on a two-man power play to tie it 2-2 at 11:20. Tarasenko gave the Blues the lead with a 5-on-4 goal just 40 seconds later, and Alexander Steen scored at even strength at 13:50.

Tarasenko scored his 20th goal of the season into an empty net with 1:24 remaining.

NOTES: Blues F T.J. Oshie missed the game because of family reasons, but is expected to travel with the team for its upcoming trip. . Blues D Carl Gunnarsson missed his fourth consecutive game due to a concussion. … The Blues are 17-1 this season when scoring at least three goals.